The Unbreakable Thread Of LOVE

Chapter - 14

Karayami was making her way toward her dorm room, her mind a blur of exhaustion from the week's tasks. The familiar, unwanted voice she had grown to dread reached her from behind, stopping her in her tracks. She sighed heavily, not even needing to turn around to know who it was.

"The presentation and file are done," Karayami said, her voice cold but calm. "I would've sent them to you. Why did you come here?"

She finally turned to face Amorika, her expression unreadable but her eyes betraying a glint of irritation. She had hoped to avoid any more face-to-face encounters, especially after the last conversation. Karayami had done everything that was asked, and yet here Amorika was again, showing up at the worst possible time.

Amorika approached with her usual confidence, a small smile playing on her lips as if she hadn't completely shattered Karayami's peace last time.

"Oh, Karayami," Amorika said in a mock-sweet tone, "I didn't want to leave something this important up to an email. You know how Father is—perfection is everything, and I needed to see for myself that it's flawless. Besides, isn't it nice to see your big sister once in a while?"

Karayami's jaw tightened at the word "perfection," the word that had haunted her throughout her childhood, always attached to Amorika and never to her. She looked at her sister, who seemed so effortlessly composed, and felt the familiar sting of being compared to someone she could never be.

"You've already got what you need," Karayami said, her tone sharper. "You don't need to check on me or the work. You'll have it by tonight."

Amorika tilted her head, that ever-present smirk still lingering on her lips, as if she found Karayami's irritation amusing. "Oh, don't be so cold, little sister. I came to make sure everything is perfect for the big day, but also... I wanted to see how you were doing. You've been awfully distant lately."

Karayami's expression remained stoic, but inside, her frustration was boiling. Amorika's pretense of concern felt as false as ever. She could feel the control her sister always had over her tightening like a noose around her neck.

"I'm fine,"** Karayami replied curtly. **"And I'll send you the file by tonight. That's all you came for, right?"

Amorika's smile faltered for a brief moment before she regained her composure. She took a step closer, lowering her voice slightly, her tone now dripping with condescension.

"You know, Karayami, I've always worried about you. I just don't want you to be... forgotten. Father, Mother—they don't think much about you, but I do. I'm the only one who really cares, and that's why I'm here. To make sure you're not left behind."

The words stung, but Karayami was used to it by now. She stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. "Don't worry about me, Amorika. I'm not the one who needs to live up to anyone's expectations."

Amorika's eyes flashed with a brief hint of anger before she smiled again, the false warmth returning. "Of course, little sister. Just remember, we're family. We'll always be tied together, no matter what."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Karayami standing there, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Karayami watched her go, her fists clenched at her sides. She had done what was asked, but she knew this wouldn't be the last time Amorika would come demanding something.

As she turned back toward her dorm, Karayami felt the familiar sense of isolation creeping in again. She was used to being on her own, but somehow, it felt heavier after every encounter with her sister.